Gender Differences in Visual Perception of Park Landscapes Based on Eye-Tracking Technology: A Case Study of Beihai Park in Beijing

Previous landscape design mostly relies on general standards, failing to fully consider gender differences in landscape visual perception, with relevant research still needing further exploration. This study takes Beijing’s Beihai Park as the research object, using five types of on-site-collected photos (water landscape, plant landscape, architectural landscape, path landscape, and square landscape) as stimuli. Twenty males and twenty females participated in an eye-tracking experiment and a questionnaire survey to analyze gender differences in the visual perception of these five landscapes. The results show the following: (1) females show a “core–radiation” pattern, focusing on mid-short vision and environmental details; males focus on distant views and functional areas. (2) Females have slightly higher APD and fixation counts, with stronger cognitive/emotional fluctuations; males have longer total fixation time and more sustained attention. (3) Males prefer architectural/square landscapes, emphasizing functionality; females favor water/plant landscapes, prioritizing emotional connection with nature. (4) The total fixation time significantly impacts subjective evaluations; the average fixation duration is gender-neutral but uniquely affects evaluations of certain landscape types. This study has guiding significance for enhancing park landscapes’ inclusiveness and attractiveness, promoting different genders’ participation and satisfaction, and boosting space vitality and utilization efficiency.